Michael Carter

Michael Carter was born in Austin, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1990 to 1994. Carter earned a bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico in 2003 and a J.D. from the University of Denver in 2007. His career experience includes working as an attorney and small business owner. He worked as a Colorado deputy public defender from May 2006 to August 2009. He has also served as a judge pro tem for the City of Westminster Municipal Court and a parking magistrate for the City of Aurora. Carter has served as a member of the Defenders Union of Colorado, the Sam Cary Bar Association, the Arapahoe County Bar Association, and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a third generation army veteran, I serve on the Aurora public school board and I’ve made a career as a defense attorney because I believe in balancing the scales of justice.

I have spent almost 25 years of my 50 years on this planet here in the state of Colorado. My introduction to Colorado came on a snowy day in September of 1991 when I landed in Colorado Springs and made my way to my first Permanent Duty Station Fort Carson Colorado. I thought I knew what a blizzard looked like… I was wrong. Ten years later, newly married, I found myself in Law School at the University of Denver. We moved to Aurora in 2013 with my three kids, my cat and my dog in tow.

My political journey began in 2014 when I became the 2nd Vice Chair of the Arapahoe County Democratic Party. During the COVID-19 pandemic I was called to serve so I ran for school board.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Education – the state house is where the budget for our schools is determined and I’m determined to pay our teachers and take care of students. It is time to eliminate the BS factor and make up for years of underfunding our schools. Humane criminal justice reform – I work in courts and I know the difference that specialized courts can make on individuals' outcomes. I believe all people across the state of Colorado should have access to these courts. Additionally, I would support legislation aimed at reducing recidivism.Finally, affordability is a huge issue across Colorado, beginning with housing. I would support policies that encourage more options for property owners to expand their housing options, ensure tenants are protected from predatory practices and expand programs that give state-level help to first-time homebuyers. In this area I do not have all the answers but I’m eager to listen and determined to find solutions that improve our state.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about equitable education opportunities, humane criminal justice reform and increasing affordability for all Coloradans.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a team player. Being able to listen to all sides and implement the right changes, is not an easy task. But I have found that by being open and honest, good results can often be achieved.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Carter has been endorsed by VoteVets, Local 208 Pipefitters, the Collective Pac, Congressman Jason Crow, State Senator James Coleman, and State Senator Janet Buckner.

What committees interest you?

The Judiciary and Joint Budget Committee

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

The most important part of Aurora Public Schools is the students, and I am the best person to prepare them to be successful About 8 years ago my wife and I moved to the district for the specific purpose of raising our kids in Aurora Public Schools. I currently have a Middle School Student, an Elementary School Student, and a High School Student. My wife has been employed with the district as a teacher since 2003. I first arrived in Colorado in the early 90’s while I was stationed in Fort Carson Colorado. After my term of enlistment ended, I enrolled at the University of New Mexico earning a Double Major in African American Studies and Political Science. Finally, I received my law Degree from the University of Denver and have been a practicing Criminal Defense Attorney for the last 14 years. I bring the background and experience to represent the Students, the Parents, and the Teachers.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

It is not an understatement that the current board were given an impossible task when it comes to the pandemic. I would be more transparent with the parent’s students and teachers. The boards inability to come to a consensus meant that the Superintendent was the person making board decisions. As a board member I will deal with the dysfunction of the board through constant communication with other board members.The more transparent our district is, the more you can trust that decisions being made are in good faith for out students. The board will achieve this transparency with outreach to the teachers’ parents and students. As a board member I would increase the number of meetings that can be accessed by video. I also will do more townhall type assemblies; going into people’s neighborhoods and wards to get the message out.The Superintendent’s job is to manage the day-to-day operations of the district. He/she must be able to communicate with the Board and carry out that mission. If the Board has a clear vision the Superintendent has no choice but to follow. Issues arise when the Board does not have a clear vision and the Superintendent is left to fill in the blank. The Superintendent is not elected by the people, he is hired by the Board and only has one job: To carry out the Boards mission.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Accountability will not be a dirty word if I become a member of the school board; however, it will not be used as a bludgeon to attack teachers, students, or parents. I am in favor of oversight without intrusion. Teachers should feel comfortable in doing their job, but everyone must understand we are here to serve the students. The Student Achievement gap is only going to be closed by the grownups in the room taking accountability to serve the students.